As well as boasting a particularly thriving music scene, it also has in its favour plenty of independent shops, delis and cafes; a jaw-dropping view over the Avon Gorge with its attendant – and similarly breath-taking – suspension bridge; and a winningly hippy-ish vibe. A big, working city, its student population doesn’t overwhelm it in term time, not least because there is plenty of space – much of it green – to accommodate everyone. The Downs; the proximity to Somerset; and having the accessibility of the more bijoux Bath down the road all add to the compelling picture. Plus, it’s only 90 minutes by rail to London for those times you may need to head back to the capital.
In the wake of the pandemic and the rise of #WFH, more and more people are considering where it is they would really enjoy living, rather than being tied to London for work. And while, undoubtedly, prices in Bristol have increased in the past decade, there are some truly elegant properties to snap up. Here are a few of the best.
Canynge Square, Clifton
Savills, £1,995,000
While this house could not, by any stretch, be described as a snip at just a smidge under £2m, it is worth noting what the money will buy you here in contrast to the capital. Canynge Square is one of the finest set pieces in the city, and this is five-bedroom Grade II-listed house is in excellent decorative order. The proportions are the stuff that dreams are made of (if, that is, your dreams are constructed of elegant French doors and pleasingly capacious landings and hallways). There is a good lawn garden at the back, as well as access to the beautiful communal gardens, too. It’s a short stroll into Clifton Village, while Clifton Down is also on the doorstep for when you really want to stretch your legs. Explore the details here.
Richmond Terrace, Clifton
Knight Frank, POA
Richmond Terrace is one of the very finest streets in the city. Its houses are, however, typically carved up and rented out to (very lucky) students. It is rare indeed then to find a whole house available to buy here; if you’re in the market to move into a beautifully kept Grade II*-listed house with six bedrooms, high ceilings and more period detailing than it is possible to list, then this could be the one for you. We love the beautiful garden, the French doors and the fact that the house is flooded with light. Explore the details here.
Redland Court, Redland
Savills, £975,000
Moving to Bristol need not be all about Clifton; the city has a number of other residential areas that are quiet and beautiful. Chief among them is Redland, which is just a short walk from the city centre. And for anyone who is eyeing up this area and fancies living in a period property minus any of the attendant idiosyncrasies, this fully renovated development within a historic school building could work very well. It has three bedrooms, a roof terrace, a mezzanine living area and private parking. Explore the details here.
Redland Court, Redland
Ocean, £895,000
For anyone who likes the idea of the Redland Court development but prefers their properties with a more contemporary flavour, this new-build lateral home will make an interesting proposition. There are three bedrooms, two allocated parking spaces, and access to the three-acre private park in which the development is situated. But the big draw for many will be the fact that it has been designed with eco considerations front and centre. There is an air source heat pump system for heating and hot water, while the living sedum roof provides not only insulation but also a habitat for wildlife. Explore the details here.
Christmas Steps, City Centre
Hopewell, £825,000
Is there a more romantic address anywhere than The Christmas Steps? We think not. This characterful three-bedroom property was originally built in the 1600s, before getting a new façade in the early 1800s. Inside there are beams aplenty, wood burners and beautiful wooden floors, while outside there is a lovely split-level garden. A truly atmospheric and special place to live. Explore the details here.
Hotwell Road, Bristol Western Harbour
Chappell & Matthews, £770,000
For anyone searching for a large and architecturally resplendent property, this is undeniably dazzling. Originally built in 1695 but later remodelled in the 1880s after the American planter style, there are three bedrooms, four bathrooms, 3000sqft of accommodation and a spectacular array of period features – not least of which the beautiful balcony at the front of the house. To find such a property at significantly under a million pounds is a rare thing indeed these days. There is, however, a caveat; the house sits handsomely in a row of similarly lovely buildings all looking up at, on the one hand, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and across at the River Avon, but, on the other hand, down upon a major road. If, however, the latter doesn’t bother you, this could be a steal ripe to be restored to full glory. Explore the details here.
Rodney Place, Clifton
Hamptons, £699,950
There are few domestic architectural delights to compare to the Georgian terrace houses that Clifton abounds with. And whilst a whole house will set you back a head-swimming amount of money, an apartment could be within the realms of possibility. This first-floor example has three bedrooms, a large kitchen and the sort of elegant sitting room one expects from this period of architecture, complete with floor-to-ceiling sash windows. There is a communal terrace and the views are of Clifton’s fine architecture with the rolling countryside in the background. Meanwhile, the artisan delights – and they really are delights – of Clifton are right on the doorstep. Explore the details here.
The Keg Store, City Centre
Boardwalk, £475,000
This two-bedroom converted brewery would make a characterful proposition for a couple who want to be within striking distance of the buzz of the city centre. It has everything to its industrial advantage: exposed brick walls, excellent proportions and even a lovely roof terrace for those nights you’re not patronising the delights of the streets below. Explore the details here.
Dowry Square, Hotwells
Elephant, £415,000
This two-bedroom flat sits on the lovely Dowry Square, housed within the former Clifton Dispensary building. Originally built in 1824, it has since been carved up into six lovely flats, all of which rejoice in excellent proportions and views across the beautiful park gardens. Explore the details here.
Royal Crescent, Clifton
Allen & Harris, £375,000
For any prospective buyer looking for a one-bedroom flat with wow-factor, this is sure to be a hit. The Royal Crescent is every bit as lovely as it sounds as an address, while the interior has been executed with style and flair. There is a knock-out mezzanine sleeping area, high ceilings, a beautifully appointed kitchen and a wonderful lawn and decking garden. Explore the details here.
By Nancy Alsop
August 2021
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